Until recently I used to keep my needles and pins in a cushion in a wooden chest for their well earned rest. For the daily use inside the house at the sewing table this always proofed to be a reasonable place, but never for out and about. All the more a tiny implement quickly won my heart upon a virtual stroll through the width of the internet: a late 18th century needle case made of enamel.

These whimsical needle cases have been hardly bigger than today's lipstick, hence they'd fit even in the smallest of reticules. Furthermore they are little pieces of art.

The original measures 3 7/8 inches, while my copy case is 3 3/8 inches long. The painting was a challenge and I went to work with the tiniest of brushes and toothpicks. And then it was finished with more than ten coats of varnish.

...and after the tenth or eleventh coat of varnish I made a sigh of relief and happiness. Even though it's not an enamel piece, this little project already fulfilled the saying that is written on the needle case "May you be happy".